Generally, forced-air furnace systems are fairly efficient ways to heat your home. Indeed, they can help your central air conditioning cool your home in the summer. Their efficiency is one of the reasons most single-family homes in the United States use them. These systems are also easy to install and reliable. Still, some believe that forced-air furnaces are energy hogs. Here are some factors that determine how much energy they use.
The Power Source
People who complain about forced-air furnaces probably have one that’s powered by electricity. Electric furnaces are indeed energy hogs, and this is obvious when people who own them look at their energy bills. They also take longer to heat your home than a furnace that’s powered by gas. The problem is even worse for those who live in cold climates, where homeowners depend on their furnaces for much of the year. On the other hand, furnaces powered by natural gas or propane use a fraction of the wattage of an electric furnace.
Other Problems That Cause Energy Inefficiency
Often, the energy usage is not completely the fault of the furnace. Here are some factors that affect the furnace’s efficiency for good or for ill.
- How often the furnace is serviced: Having an HVAC professional check and troubleshoot the furnace at least once a year goes a long way in improving its energy efficiency.
- A leaky home: A home that’s not well insulated lets too much warm air leak outside. This forces the furnace to work harder than it should. The strain on the furnace may even shorten its working life.
- Leaking ductwork: Another problem that makes your furnace inefficient is leaking ductwork. When ducts aren’t airtight, warm air is wasted in uninsulated areas of your home, such as your crawlspace or your attic. This is another reason why it’s a good idea to consider insulating crawlspaces and attics, even if they’re not frequently visited.
- Dirty filters: Dirty filters also make the furnace work harder than it should. This drives up its energy use and your energy bills. With a forced-air furnace, a dirty filter also allows contaminants to blow into the rooms of your home.
- An old-fashioned thermostat: Another way to help a forced-air furnace save energy is to invest in a smart thermostat. These types of thermostats allow you to control the temperature even when you’re not home, as they communicate with your device. You can also program them to turn the heat down when you leave home, and turn it up when you come home from work.
Forced-air furnace systems can be highly energy efficient if the circumstances allow. If you live in Wilmington, NC or a surrounding area and need furnace installation services, make your first call to NC Quality Air.
